2000 C5 Leaky Rear End

[jeff48328]

I have a 2000 Coupe with an automatic and a 3.42 rear axle. The car only has 6500 miles on it and the rear axle just started leaking lube. The lube dripped on my driveway from the left side of the axle housing. Of course the warranty ran out earlier this year so I will need to fix it myself. I checked the axle seals and side covers for leaks and neither seems to be leaking. It looks as though the fluid is coming from the top of the axle housing. I am wondering if it is possible that the axle vent could be blowing out axle lube.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
This is absolutely possible.
Usually, fill the lube to 1/8 inch below the fill plug, NOT all the way to the top.
Some do not know this, over fill it, and then when driven aggressively, they vent the fluid.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[jeff48328]

C4C5SPECIALIST

Thanks for the input I will check the fluid level per your instructions. Do you know if the axle vent, on a C5 automatic, is on the left side (driver's side) of the axle housing?

 

[Mike Mercury]

2000 Coupe with an automatic and a 3.42 rear axle. The car only has 6500 miles on it

WOW; when did you have the 3.42's installed?

 

[c4c5specialist]

C4C5SPECIALIST

Thanks for the input I will check the fluid level per your instructions. Do you know if the axle vent, on a C5 automatic, is on the left side (driver's side) of the axle housing?

Yes, it is, and that is why I answered the way I did.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[jeff48328]

Mike Mercury,

I didn't realize that I had made that mistake. I had been reading about axles and how to install a 3.42 and I guess I was dreaming. My car has a 3.15 axle.